Discovering the Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica
One of the last destinations I visited during my trip in Costa Rica was the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. This place is a favorite and must see among nature enthusiasts and I can say that it completely lives up to its fame. It has a unique and quite recent history. Only 1% of all surviving forests are classified as cloud forests in the world and Monteverde is one of them. Getting there from San José is quite straightforward, with public transport buses leaving twice a day and private shuttles more often.
I was coming to Monteverde from Jacó, so I took a bus from Jacó to Puntarenas and changed to the Transmonteverde bus taking me directly to my destination. I had to get going at around 5 in the morning not to miss my connection and the trip took a little longer that if I were to book a private shuttle, but it cost a fraction of the price and I was happy to share in the journey with locals and backpackers.
The route up to Monteverde is magical. It is an almost constantly winding road up the mountains. Every now and then you get a glimpse of the Gulf of Nicoya on the west coast just below. It is hard to believe that there are villages all along this wild and steep road, but people use the Transmonteverde bus as a means of public transportation, not only to visit the cloud forest.
About Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
The reserve has a unique and fascinating story, one that can give back a little of our faith in humanity’s capability to restore and preserve natural areas. Following widespread deforestation in Costa Rica, a group of Quaker settlers set up their base in the mountainous area of Costa Rica during the late fifties. After some talks with local scientists and acquisition efforts spanning a decade, in 1972 the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve was born and slowly tourism started to begin and then bloom. Nowadays the National Park receives around 70.000 visitors per year and it is one of the most important wildlife conservation areas of the country. It is home to roughly 2.500 plant species, 100 mammal species, 400 bird and 120 reptile and amphibian species and many insect species.
Pioneers in the Sustainable Tourism Industry
The Park is sustained by the tourism being received in the area as well as by donations and it is an essential meeting place for students and scientists alike. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve is an innovative and forward-thinking model of conservation and ecotourism that prioritizes biodiversity research and education and a great example of what is possible if people come together to protect and preserve nature and the ecosystem that sustains it. Costa Rica is a leader in sustainable tourism, and many accommodations in Monteverde are eco-friendly. Therefore by visiting this beautiful area, you can not only explore the country but contribute to preserving nature for future generations to come.
During the days I visited Monteverde I stayed in a small hostel, just outside the center. I was very happy with my decision as the place had an incredible view of the forest and the sunset and it was easy to make friends and go explore the area together. I purchased my tickets to Monteverde before arriving to the destination at their website, which costs 25$ for adults and 12$ for students. There is an alternative cloud forest you can visit upon arriving to Santa Elena. This forest is less popular and cheaper to enter, but equally beautiful. If you are interested to take the path less travelled, check out the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve as well.
Getting Around in Santa Elena and Monteverde
Once you are in the town of Santa Elena, it is very easy to get to the cloud forest. Wherever your accommodation is, you can call a shuttle for approximately 6$ and they will pick you up and drop you off at your destination as well as pick you up at the end of your trip and drop you home at the time specified by you, which you can request usually once per hour.
There is a very comprehensive map at the entrance of the park and you can wander down on various routes, marveling at the wild, lush vegetation and the many animals and insects that will inevitably cross your path while you are there. Make sure to read the little signposts along the way as you can learn fascinating facts about the local ecosystem and gain pieces of wisdom as you wander along the trail. I recommend getting in an early start as you have more chances of seeing animals out in the early hours in the morning. However, if you miss your chance, you can book a night tour and see animals out at night with a professional guide.
After a definitely magnificent forest bathing experience you can take part in the many adventure activities provided by local businesses. I would recommend spending a couple of days in Santa Elena and seeing as much of the area as possible as it is truly a unique and once in a lifetime opportunity to see such undisturbed nature up close.
For more information on getting there and the park, you can check out the links below:
Monteverde Cloud Forest Official Website
Information of Santa Elena Cloudforest
Affordable Ecolodges in Monteverde
